Lee County Organizations Celebrate Inaugural 30 Under 30 Class

FORT MADISON, Iowa (July 29, 2026) — Lee County Economic Development Group, the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce came together Wednesday evening to recognize the inaugural Lee County 30 Under 30 class, celebrating 30 young professionals who are already making a meaningful impact across the county.

More than 100 honorees, family members, friends, employers, and community leaders attended the recognition reception at Turnwater Bar & Grill.

The Lee County 30 Under 30 initiative was created through a collaborative effort among the three organizations to recognize emerging leaders, highlight the talent already present in Lee County, and encourage young people to build their careers, lives, and futures in the region.

“Our communities are stronger when young people see that their talents are valued, that there is a place for them here, and that they have an opportunity to help shape what Lee County becomes.” said Emily Benjamin, President and CEO of Lee County Economic Development Group.

Honorees were nominated by members of the community and selected through a competitive judging process. Recipients were recognized for contributions made through their careers, leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community involvement.

During the program, LCEDG Board Chair Charles Ireland congratulated the inaugural class and recognized the impact each recipient is already making throughout Lee County. "Thirty people in this room are already doing work that creates value. Not someday, right now. You're solving problems, building things, showing up when it's hard. That's not potential. That's contribution," Ireland said.

Ireland encouraged recipients to continue investing in their communities and reminded them that their work is helping shape the future of Lee County. “When you build a capability here, when you solve a problem, create something new, mentor someone coming up behind you, you're not just advancing your own career. You're creating the conditions for others to do the same. That's how Lee County grows. Not through one big win, but through thirty people like you making things better in thirty different ways. This recognition isn't a finish line. It's us saying, we see what you're building, and we want to build alongside you.”

Benjamin also challenged the honorees to continue finding ways to contribute their talents beyond the workplace.

“As our population ages, the next generation of community leaders is not somewhere out there waiting to arrive. It is already here,” Benjamin said. “When more people contribute their time, ideas, and experiences, our communities gain the capacity to do more, and the future we build better reflects the people who call Lee County home.”
The partner organizations hope the program will not only celebrate individual achievement, but also help honorees build connections with one another, established community leaders, employers, and organizations seeking the next generation of volunteers and decision-makers.

The inaugural reception was supported by Trophy Outlet, which sponsored the awards, and Turnwater Bar & Grill, which hosted the event.

The 2026 Lee County 30 Under 30 honorees are:

Jesse Belba, Andrea Benner, Ben Buford, Tyler Bryant, Justin Cain, Seth Davis, Kaci DeSpain, Tyler Follett, Roslyn Garcia, Payton Garmoe, Kate Gerdes, Katherine Granado, Joseph Grabowski, Madison Holderness, Kierra Huddleston, Jacob Jones, Breanna Kramer, Cassie Krebill, Addison Loges, Nicole Merschman, Jacob Mohrfeld, Jamie Neff, Liz Pezley, Lexy Reu, Elija Riddle, Caroline Sestito, Becky Vogel, Blaine Watkins, Logan Wells, and Brett Wrieden.

About the Lee County 30 Under 30 Program

Lee County 30 Under 30 is a collaborative initiative of Lee County Economic Development Group, the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce. The program recognizes young professionals under the age of 30 who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and a commitment to strengthening Lee County.